Insecurity hampers Bamyan tourism sector

BAMYAN CITY (Pajhwok): Insecurity and growing violence in the neighboring provinces of central Bamyan province hampered tourism industry in the province.

Bamyan is considered to be a peaceful province which attracted a large number of local and foreign tourists over the years but insecurity in the surrounding provinces and closure of roads threatened the tourism sector of the province.

Abdul Hameed, director of the heritage and historical sites protection department, said the high price of air tickets and insecurity of roads to Bamyan provinces were the main reasons of decline in tourism in the province.

He said a large number of people and families used to visit during spring and summer seasons in past when security was improved.

“Few years back 2,500 families and 150 foreign tourists visited the province but last year the number of tourists declined by more than half of the past years,” said Abdul Hameed.

Mohammad Musa Refat, the resident of Bamyan province, said: “tourism gives boost to the overall economy of the province, hotels, resultants, transportation, livestock and other sectors are directly benefited from the tourism sectors.

Governor spokesman Abdul Rahman Ahmadi said the government hoped more tourists would visit the province this year.

He said last 185 foreign tourists visited different historical sites of the province and hoped more people would come after the Ramazan.